SomewhatInnocuous

Hi - I've got a strong resume, 20 years of solid work experience in tech (programming data management and mathematical modeling) and advanced degrees (MBA, Ph.D.) but can't seem to even get interviews. I got three interviews last year from around 175+- laboriously filled out applications. Honestly, I was much more qualified and capable than many of the people on the interviewing committees. I've not got much experience in trying to find a job because I've always been recruited before.

My personal assessment is I'm viewed as overqualified and / or "too old". Mid-50's, no background problems, no drug problems or any other strangeness.

What does it take to get interviewed? Any suggestions on how to deal with age related issues?

This! Or public schools for that matter.

Still - It looks like you're almost planning on bailing or looking for an easy way out. Actions and decisions have consequences. While it's daunting to face the potential consequences of your choices, that's just part of being a responsible adult.

After all, most people taking out student loans were not hoodwinked into some BS fly-by-night degree program. These are youngish adults making adult decisions.

I'm sympathetic regarding the high cost of post secondary education, but not so much about people looking for a bail out for bad decision making.

Why would anybody take out $100K + in loans for a degree that doesn't promise a very good chance of producing future income to cover the payments? Ok - if it's STEM from a good school, or Ivy law or medicine or some such it makes sense, but a University of Ho-Hum degree in public policy (or whatever) is insane.

I don't mean to be making assumptions regarding your personal decisions, but your stated concern about repayment ability suggests that the decision was not entirely rational.

Disclosure - I'm absolutely not against lots of education for the pure love of it. I got my Ph.D. and graduate school was a great (if trying at times) experience. Don' regret it a bit. Didn't take out any loans in excess of $10K and paid my way as I went.

Well what should I expect? Most posters came to this thread wanting a solution, or at least actionable information, regarding a significant personal challenge and I could hardly expect a warm reception for my opinion.

Your proposed soution has merit. If backing were withdrawn from these loans then the rates charged for them would reflect the true risk associated with them and most of the loans would never take place (in theory). The current governmental backing transfers risk from the lender to the citizenry, thus encouraging lenders to make risky loans and encouraging prospective students to make unsound decisions.

Cheers!